EP Review: Rabitrup – SWVMPS II (Self Released)

Rabitrup, the project of Seattle noise/electronic/metal artist Danny Tatom, will release SWVMPS II on January 5th 2018. A follow up to the project’s first EP in the SWVMPS series.

Danny commented about the release, “I’m stoked to be releasing a sequel to my last EP, pushing my sound further and creating something hopefully new and exciting. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t be in a metal band if you can’t play an instrument.”

A sound that is rooted heavily in the industrial/electronica department, SWVMPS II is all about making a lot of noise in unexpected ways. The chaotic nature of Locks as the distorted industrial groove makes you squirm in your seat is followed by the even more unsettling Phantoms. This one doesn’t quite have the same appeal though, it’s unfettered approach just not sitting well on the ears.

Walls finishes things off with harsh & mind-numbing screeches, a track with a serious sense of dread running through it like a vein. Rabitrup clearly have a lot of fun proving that you don’t need to be smashing riffs & roaring like a beast to offer a form of metal. However, if industrial isn’t your cup of tea then SWVMPS II isn’t going to do much for you. There are some interesting ideas & enjoyable moments though.